KDOT: Area’s roads improving in wake of snowstorm

The Kansas Department of Transportation is reporting as of 3 p.m. today that roads and highways are mostly wet and slushy in Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Douglas counties.

"Roadway conditions across all of northeast Kansas have continued to improve nicely during the daytime hours," KDOT said in a news release this afternoon. "Despite the cold temps, the sun and the treatment on the roadways has accelerated the melting of snow, thus allowing crews to remove the snow that was snowpacked earlier this morning."

KDOT cautioned driving still could be perilous, despite the general improvement in road conditions.

"Many of the wet/slushy road conditions will “freeze-dry” in the early evening hours due to the cold temperatures. During the evening/overnight hours, drivers need to use caution as there may be some potential refreezing in spots on mainlines as well as at interchange ramp areas and intersections," KDOT said.

Nearly 7 inches of snow was reported in the storm that began Wednesday afternoon and continued overnight. Light snow continued until after dawn in some areas.

KDOT offers these driving tips for inclement winter weather:

Take it slow.

Allow plenty of extra drive time.

Watch for icy/slick spots on the roadway; don’t assume that if the pavement looks clear, that it is.

Buckle up every passenger, every time.

If stranded, stay in your vehicle and call *47 on a state highway/interstate route (any highway that begins with I-, K-, and U.S.-), KTA on the Kansas Turnpike, or 911 at anytime.

For travel during winter storms, drivers should use caution, allow plenty of driving time, buckle up (every passenger, every time) and be sure to turn on their headlights, and turn off their cruise control. Drivers should also provide for a safe distance or cushion between themselves and vehicles ahead of them.

KDOT also remind drivers to stay a safe distance back from KDOT snow plows, and if drivers should pass the snow plows, to be extra careful and allow plenty of room as the trucks do travel slower than surrounding traffic.